Black River.
Black River runs through the Keene Valley area — not the better-known Black River that drains the western Adirondacks, but a smaller tributary system in the High Peaks corridor. It lacks the fishing pressure and lean-to infrastructure of nearby Ausable tributaries, and the DEC fish stocking records don't list it by name — which usually means it's either too small, too seasonal, or holds only resident brookies in the headwater stretches. The water shows up on USGS quads but stays off most hiking itineraries; it's the kind of stream you cross on a bushwhack or notice from a back road without ever planning a trip around it. If you're fishing the Keene Valley drainages, stick to the East Branch Ausable or its named feeder brooks — they're documented, stocked, and worth the walk.
Black River has public access. Summits nearby include Green Hill and Peach Blow Hill.
The water, surveyed.
Before you launch.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
2 parking areas
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Northwest Bay Boat Launch ParkingTrailhead4.8 mipavedDirections →
- 02East Trail To Giant Mtn. Parking Lot6.3 miunpavedDirections →
What’s in the water.
NYSDEC has stocked this water across 15 recent seasons — the ledger below is the public record.
The stocking record.
Launch & supply.
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
The trails.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- F.I.G's Riverside Pizza Cafe3.3 mi
A casual pizza cafe on the Boquet River in Elizabethtown serving pies, sandwiches, and cafe fare.
- The Deer's Head Inn Restaurant3.4 mi
The Deer's Head Inn is a historic Elizabethtown tavern and restaurant — among the oldest inns in the Adirondacks — serving pub fare and regional dishes.
- Turtle Island Cafe12.8 mi
Turtle Island Cafe is a full-service restaurant in Willsboro, NY, offering bistro-style food, wine, beer, and cocktails in a casual and friendly environment. It has been named Best Burger in the Adirondacks by Adirondack Life Magazine for…
- Noon Mark Diner12.9 mi
A traditional diner experience, offering hearty meals for travelers and locals in the Adirondack Park.
Sip.
4- Pleasant Valley Cafe3.3 mi
A local cafe in Elizabethtown serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and comfort food in the heart of the Boquet Valley.
- Life Church Cafe3.3 mi
Life Church Elizabethtown is a local church dedicated to connecting lives and building community.
- Counter Space3.3 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
- Old Mountain Coffee Company12.9 mi
Great Coffee, Great Food, Great Baked Goods & Great People. Stop in to enjoy our house roasted coffee, browse our menu for a bite to eat or grab a delicious treat from our bakery. Order Online for pickup or stop in.
Sweet.
4- Black Rooster Maple13.1 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market13.7 mi
Cedar Run Bakery & Market offers scratch-made baked goods, deli items, fresh menu options, and take & bake meals, alongside a selection of wine and spirits. They are open Friday through Monday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
- Sugar House Creamery15.4 mi
Sugar House Creamery is a farmstead creamery located in the Adirondacks, producing artisanal cheeses from the milk of their own cows. They offer a variety of cheeses, showcasing the quality of their local dairy.
- Whitebrook Dairy Bar19.7 mi
A classic roadside drive-in on Route 86 in Wilmington, five minutes from Whiteface — creamy soft serve (try the peanut-butter dip) plus footlongs and the Wilmington burger. Opening day is a local rite of spring.
Drink.
4- The Knock ADK4.1 mi
The Knock ADK is a restaurant and bar in Westport, NY, offering a plant-based dinner menu alongside classic and craft cocktails. They provide dinner reservations on non-show nights and welcome walk-ins on show nights.
- The Old Mine10.0 mi
The Old Miners Tavern is a historic Adirondack tavern in Moriah, NY, offering classic bar food like juicy burgers and chicken wings, a full bar with rotating craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere for friends to gather.
- Tavern on Main12.2 mi
Tavern on Main brings a Chicago-style modern upscale gastropub to the historic Crown Point square — the closest sit-down dining to the Crown Point State Historic Site and the Lake Champlain Bridge crossing.
- R.F. McDougall's Pub19.1 mi
The casual sibling of the Hungry Trout Restaurant, sharing the same Adirondack riverside property next to Whiteface. Pub food, regional beers, and the same view of the West Branch Ausable at a more relaxed price point.
Stay.
4- Hilltop Motel1.3 mi
Hilltop Motel offers clean, comfortable lodging conveniently located at I-87 Exit 31 in Westport, where the Adirondack Mountains meet Lake Champlain. Guests enjoy easy access to a vast array of outdoor activities and attractions.
- The Olde Mill Inn Bed and Breakfast2.9 mi
An eight-room historic B&B inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, with an authentic 1700s log cabin, a king-sized suite, and homemade breakfast. EV charging on site.
- The Deer's Head Inn3.4 mi
The Deer's Head Inn in Elizabethtown, NY, is the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks. Reopened in August 2016 as an eatery and inn, it features tavern dining with a changing, seasonal menu focused on local, regional, and sustainably produced…
- Park Motor Inn3.5 mi
The Park Motor Inn is a charming, vintage, motel-style property that opened in Elizabethtown, New York, during the heyday of automobile tourism in the 1950's. Elizabethtown is where the Adirondack High Peaks meet the Champlain Valley, giving visitors unparalleled access to the region's spectacular lakes, rivers, and mountains.
See.
4- Adirondack History Museum3.2 mi
The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown tells the story of Essex County and the Adirondacks — pioneer life, mining, tourism, and mountain heritage.
- Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower9.3 mi
Perched atop Hurricane Mountain, this historic fire tower provides hikers with unparalleled 360-degree views of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and Vermont's Green Mountains.
- Keene Arts13.4 mi
Keene Arts is a venue in Keene, NY, hosting diverse events including art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, and a winter farmers market.
- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge15.2 mi
The Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge is a vibrant venue dedicated to presenting music, theater, and visual arts in Upper Jay, NY. It serves as a community hub for various cultural events.
Add to the record.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Black River located?Black River is a stream in the Keene region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Black River open to the public?Yes, Black River has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Black River?Within roughly seven miles of Black River: 3 designated campsites. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.